Radio Atlantic, IA – AM 1220

Atlantic Cross Country Outlook – 2011

August 24th, 2011 by Jim Field

By: Bruce Henderson, Head Coach

Trojanns
The Trojanns will try to reload as they start the season with only 2 of last year’s top 5 runners. Ali Krogman leads the way and ran a personal best at the recent Atlanticfest road race. Krogman has finished 5th, 1st, and 7th at the last 3 state meets. Sophomore Liz Siggins is the other returner from last year’s top 5. Six other seniors could figure into the varsity battle this year. The top so far has been 2nd year runner Alex Hartwig. Returning letter winners Katie Blake, Malachi Wickman and Tiara Edelman have all run in the state meet. Senior Alisha Hinzmann looks likely to grab a varsity spot, as does senior sprinter Melanie Nielsen. Junior Caroline Trewet and sophomore Megan Plambeck look good and a trio of freshmen have varsity potential.
Practically all of the Trojanns’ competition will come from the Hawkeye 10. Harlan is the favorite, but Glenwood, Shenandoah, and L.C. were all within 6 points of the Trojanns at conference last year. They all have more returners than the Trojanns, so it will take good performance for the Trojanns to beat these teams. Griswold should have a very good team in area meets. DCG and Ballard were tough on the district level last year, but both lose 3 of their 4 top runners

Trojans
It will be an interesting season for the Trojans. They are filled with depth and potential, but have very few proven varsity runners. Tian Siggins was our 2nd leading point getter last year and should be improved in 2011. Seniors Delsin Arnold, and Derek Von Seggern and Juniors Sam Bateman and Jake Auerbach have lettered and should figure in the mix this year. Josiah Williams has looked very good so far in practice and is expected to be a good varsity runner. Newcomer sophomore Preston Hoye and senior Ryan McDermott could also figure in the mix. Senior Blake Esbeck, with state track experience, has recently decided to give cross country a try and could have a big impact. With a big squad of 32 the Trojans should be deep on both the varsity and J.V. levels. There is likely to be at least one surprise varsity runner this year.
The Hawkeye 10 was very tough and had seniors galore in 2010. The Trojans hope to improve considerably on their 7th place finish. Based on returners Glenwood, Shen-Essex, and L.C. should battle for the conference crown; Harlan, Kuemper and Atlantic should battle for the next 3 spots. Tee Jay should be strong as well as Boone who could be in our district. Shen-Essex is in class 3A this year, while DCG graduated its top 7 runners from a state team last year.